At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve financial guidance services for better UK financial wellbeing.
- Company: Join the Money and Pensions Service, shaping a brighter financial future.
- Benefits: Flexible working, impactful role, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to your growth and development.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming financial education and support across the UK.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in operational leadership and customer-focused service delivery.
The predicted salary is between 40582 - 49600 £ per year.
Location: 4 days per month in Bedford
The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) exists to deliver a clear and compelling vision: better financial futures for everyone in need. As an arm’s-length body sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions, MaPS plays a central role in the UK’s financial wellbeing agenda, bringing together policy, delivery and innovation to ensure that people can access trusted guidance and make confident financial decisions throughout their lives.
Through its work across pensions guidance, debt advice and money guidance, MaPS is shaping a more inclusive and resilient financial future for millions.
Guidance & Education Systems (GES) is a new and growing directorate with an ambitious mission: to strengthen the quality, reach and effectiveness of money guidance and financial education delivered through organisations, partners and practitioners across the UK. We work to support better financial outcomes for people at every life stage, including children and young people.
As Head of Guidance & Education Operations, you'll lead the delivery and improvement of key services, ensuring they remain effective, scalable and customer-focused. You’ll oversee operating models across learning, support and engagement services, enabling sustainable growth and impact. The role will play a key part in delivering a new Managed Learning Service, helping transform digital learning and customer support while driving high standards of quality, performance and continuous improvement.
This is more than an operational leadership role. It's an opportunity to shape how a nationally important service develops and scales, delivering meaningful improvements in financial capability and wellbeing across the UK.
We're looking for an experienced operational leader with a track record of delivering and improving complex services at scale across the UK. You’ll have experience leading operations, driving performance and continuous improvement in customer-focused environments. You’ll turn strategic goals into effective delivery plans, manage suppliers and contracts, implement new services and technologies, and use data and feedback to improve outcomes.
A collaborative leader, you'll build strong stakeholder relationships, develop high-performing teams, lead through change, and foster a culture of accountability, inclusion and improvement.
If you're excited by the opportunity to help build and scale services that strengthen the UK's money guidance and financial education ecosystem, and to play a leading role in improving financial wellbeing for millions of people, we'd love to hear from you. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation.
Closing date: 14th September 2026
Head of Guidance and Education Operations in Bedford employer: Diversity Jobsite
Leonard Cheshire is an exceptional employer that prioritises social impact while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, a commitment to diversity, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of disabled individuals. Located in a supportive environment, this role offers the unique advantage of leading financial strategy in an organisation dedicated to positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Guidance and Education Operations in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
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Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Diversity Jobsite. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
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Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Diversity Jobsite.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Diversity Jobsite. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Guidance and Education Operations in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Diversity Jobsite and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Diversity Jobsite how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diversity Jobsite
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
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If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Diversity Jobsite.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Diversity Jobsite's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
